New First Presidency Speaks to Members Worldwide
Contributed By Camille West, ChurchofJesusChrist.org Church News
“Your commitment to follow the Savior by making covenants with Him and then keeping those covenants will open the door to every spiritual blessing and privilege available to men, women, and children everywhere.” —President Russell M. Nelson
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During a historic live broadcast Tuesday, January 16, from the annex of the Salt Lake Temple to all members of the Church, newly ordained prophet President Russell M. Nelson reassured each member of the Church that “whatever your concerns, whatever your challenges, there is a place for you in this, the Lord’s Church.”
President Nelson said he and his counselors in the First Presidency, President Dallin H. Oaks and President Henry B. Eyring, chose to broadcast from the temple to emphasize their wish for members to be “endowed with power in a house of the Lord, sealed as families—faithful to covenants made in a temple,” which are key to “strengthening your life, your marriage and family, and your ability to resist the attacks of the adversary. Your worship in the temple and your service there for your ancestors will bless you with increased personal revelation and peace and will fortify your commitment to stay on the covenant path,” he said. [Download a PDF of the full transcript.]
Urging members to “keep on the covenant path,” President Nelson said, “Your commitment to follow the Savior by making covenants with Him and then keeping those covenants will open the door to every spiritual blessing and privilege available to men, women, and children everywhere,” he said.
Expressing thanks for parents who are serious about their commitment to righteous, intentional parenting,” President Nelson shared how a 4-year-old boy named Benson prayed that as the prophet he would “be brave and not scared that he’s new, and help him to grow up to be healthy and strong.”
He said he was thankful for every parent, teacher, and member who carries heavy burdens and yet serves so willingly.
President Russell M. Nelson with his counselors, President Dallin H. Oaks (left) and President Henry B. Eyring (right), at a live broadcast Tuesday, January 16, from the annex of the Salt Lake Temple to all members of the Church.
Paying tribute to President Thomas S. Monson, who passed away January 2, President Nelson said that President Monson’s counselors, President Henry B. Eyring and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “have been totally capable, devoted, and inspired. … Each is willing to serve now where he is needed most.”
President Uchtdorf, who has resumed his place in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “has already received major assignments for which he is uniquely qualified.”
President Nelson referred to the Lord’s process of succession as “majestic” and “unique.”
The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles watch as President Russell M. Nelson and his two counselors, President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor, left, and President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor, are introduced during a worldwide broadcast from the annex of the Salt Lake Temple January 16, 2018.
“Words are inadequate to tell you what it felt like to have my Brethren—Brethren who hold all of the priesthood keys restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith in this dispensation—place their hands upon my head to ordain and set me apart as President of the Church. It was a sacred and humbling experience.”
The appointment of President Ballard as Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve is “consistent with the order of the Church,” President Nelson said. “The First Presidency will work hand-in-hand with the Twelve to discern the will of the Lord and move His sacred work forward.”
President Russell M. Nelson and his two counselors in the First Presidency: President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor, left, and President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor, during a worldwide broadcast from the annex of the Salt Lake Temple January 16, 2018.
In conclusion, President Nelson urged members to “look forward to the future with complete faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, whose Church this is.
“I declare my devotion to God our Eternal Father and to His Son, Jesus Christ. I know Them, love Them, and pledge to serve Them—and you—with every remaining breath of my life.”
Expressing his support for President Nelson, President Oaks said, “With all my heart I pledge my loyalty and support for President Nelson’s loving and inspired leadership. I rejoice in the opportunity to give my full efforts to bear witness of Jesus Christ and to proclaim the truth of His restored gospel.”
President Eyring assured members of good years ahead for the Church and gospel of Jesus Christ. “The growth in the number of members and their spread across nations, kindreds, tongues, and peoples are visible miracles, but the greater miracle—and the one which will accelerate—is the growth in faith in Jesus Christ. This is a great time in the history of the Church. And yes, the best is still to come.”
Watch this video to learn more what the First Presidency said at their first press conference following the broadcast:
Learn more what the First Presidency said at the press conference following the broadcast.
The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles watch as President Russell M. Nelson and his two counselors, President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor, left, and President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor, are introduced during a worldwide broadcast from the annex of the Salt Lake Temple January 16, 2018.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles announces that President Russell M. Nelson is the 17th President of the Church, and his two new counselors in the First Presidency are President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor, left, and President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor, at a worldwide broadcast from the annex of the Salt Lake Temple January 16, 2018.
